49

The Prodigal Son Returns

12 Grimmauld Place:

Sirius hesitated before stepping across the threshold of his ancestral home. When he had left two years ago, he had sworn he would never darken the doorway of Grimmauld Place again. He had voluntarily exiled himself from the bosom of the Black family, certain that he was right and they were secretly nursing a viper to their breasts because they were Slytherins. Now, however, he was no longer sure of anything. His talk with Orion had conjured up old memories of his childhood, good ones with his dad and even Reg and his mother. He found that he didn't want to start his career as an Auror at odds with his father. He needed the other's support too badly. And so he had come home, to make peace. If that were even possible.

He had said some terrible things to his mother that night . . .and Walburga Black was not known for forgiving insults to her face, especially not when they were uttered by her own son. Sirius gulped and felt like turning tail and running now that he was finally here. His only saving grace was that his father vouched for him and wanted him here. And you're too old for her to bend over her knee and switch, he reminded himself wryly. He almost wished he wasn't, for he would take a licking in order to be back in her good graces. You're an adult now, Sirius, so belt up and take your lumps like a man. He stepped across the threshold and nodded cordially to Kreacher.

"Hello, Kreacher. Would you be so kind as to inform my parents that I've . . .come home?"

"Right away, Master Sirius," the elf said, bowing. Then he glared at the eldest Black son. "You had Mistress in quite a state, so you did, young master. I hope you is sorry for it."

Normally, Sirius would have bristled at being lectured by a mere house elf, but he had learned while at the Potter home that the elves had their own opinions and feelings, and sometimes they did not echo their masters. He had seen Bilbo scold James for being impertinent too, and inform him when he was being a sod to Petunia. So he managed to take Kreacher's scolding in stride. "I am, Kreacher. I was . . .very foolish."

Kreacher sniffed. "I shall fetch the Master and the Mistress." Then he popped out of view.

Sirius heaved a sigh and placed his small messenger bag upon the floor of the foyer. Inside were all his clothes and belongings he had taken with him when he had fled to the Potters. He heard a soft shuffle and looked up to see Regulus at the top of the stairs.

He was shocked to see that his little brother had filled out and grown taller since he'd last seen him. Now Regulus was as tall, if not taller, than he was, and he too had the Black wavy dark hair and handsome looks. "Hey, Reg."

Regulus came slowly down the stairs and halted a few feet from his brother. "Hello, Sirius. Are you home for good then? Or will you go running back to Potter right after you cause another row?"

Sirius sighed. "Guess I deserved that. I . . .I'm here to try and mend my bridges. With you and Mum."

Regulus looked slightly suspicious. "Did Dad put you up to this?"

"Only at first. But after I went and thought about it . . .I realized that I shouldn't have thrown away my family."

"I see. So I guess now I'm supposed to forgive you for wishing I was never born and tagging me a dark wizard?" demanded Regulus sharply.

Sirius winced. "That was pretty terrible of me. I never should have said that. You can slug me one, if you want. Then we'll be even."

Regulus considered it. Then he shook his head. "Nah. I don't want you bloodying up Mum's tile. You know how she gets."

"Yup."

Then Regulus added, "But you ever say anything like that to me again, and you'll be needing a new set of teeth, big brother. Got me?"

"Okay, Reg. Down, boy!" Sirius held out his hands.

"Siri, you're such an idiot! But you're my idiot. I forgive you. Welcome back." Regulus reached out and was going to clap Sirius on the shoulder, but his arms had other ideas. He found himself hugging his older brother for a brief moment.

"Now that's what I like to see," Orion boomed from the hallway entrance. "Both my boys getting along. Right, Walla?" he was dressed in his favorite wine-colored velvet house robe and leather slippers, a smile creasing his weathered face.

Walburga was on his right, dressed in her casual black robe with silver runes along the wide sleeves and hem, her hair elegantly coifed and wearing her favorite black pearls that had been a gift from Orion on their anniversary. She eyed her wayward son up and down. "So . . .the prodigal son returns."

Embarrassed at showing such displays of emotion so openly, the two brothers withdrew from each other. Regulus stood awkwardly to one side while Sirius lifted his chin and looked his mother straight in the eye. Sirius felt rather like he did when he was eight and had come home covered in mud after crashing his broom into the pond down by the orchard. Guilty and ashamed, but determined to take his chastisement soundlessly.

Walburga swept him with her trademark stern glower, and Sirius wondered how his mother could still make him feel about three feet tall when he was a man grown. And an Auror besides.

"Hello, Mother."

"Sirius. You've finally come to your senses, I see. Well, better late than never, I suppose." Her voice was rather flinty. "You look thinner, didn't they feed you at the Academy?"

"Yes, but not much," Sirius answered, striving to keep a light tone. He could tell his mother was still angry with him, but at least she wasn't going off at him.

"Figures. Bloody Aurors!" she sniffed. "Well, don't just stand there like an idiot, Sirius. Go upstairs and have Kreacher unpack your things and then come down for dinner. I trust you still remember the way to the dining room?"

"I'd never forget that, Mother." He flashed her a contrite smile.

Her eyes softened a bit. "I thought not. I hope roast lamb with mint sauce and broiled potatoes and a vegetable medley is to your liking. After dinner, I wish to speak privately with you in my study."

"All right, Mum." Sirius acquiesced. He had expected she would want to have a private talk with him. "Dinner sounds delicious." He started up the stairs, and Kreacher appeared with a sharp crack and took his bag, vanishing with another loud snapping noise.

After dinner, of which Sirius had second helpings, he followed Walburga down the hall to her study. He had both good and bad memories of this room. He had learned how to use a quill and practice writing at her desk here, she had shown him how to trim and hold a quill and form letters without splotches and blots. He had sat on her lap while she read to him from the big book of wizarding tales and legends and told him stories about when she was a girl and the silly rules and regulations witches had to follow. They had eaten biscuits and drank tea here as well. But he could also recall getting lectured and being made to stand in the corner, and several trips over her knee for pulling pranks on his elders.

As he entered, his eyes were automatically drawn to the corner of the study, where the willow switch used to rest. The corner was empty. He almost breathed a sigh of relief. But to be fair, he had deserved those thrashings. He really had been an incurable mischief maker, and a lot of his pranks had been done simply because he knew they would irritate his mother.

Sirius took a seat in one of the thick upholstered chairs and watched as his mother seated herself in the desk chair. Then he waited for her to let him have it. Walburga had never hesitated to make her displeasure known before.

But his mother just looked at him and sighed. "Sirius, you and I are like oil and water. Whenever I tell you to do something, you usually end up doing the opposite, just to spite me. But I never expected you would go so far as to run away to Potter Mansion and stay there for over two years on some misguided belief that we were associated with You-Know-Who because we came from the same House!"

Sirius squirmed guiltily. "That wasn't the only reason I left, Mother."

"No? What other reason did you have then? To shame your family by making it seem like your father and I were terrible parents? Do you realize the harm you nearly did your father? He was investigated by the Ministry because of you! Questioned by Wizarding Child Services about the reason why you ran away! And so was I."

"I . . .never knew that. Dad never told me that." Sirius stammered.

"He wouldn't mention it to you, he was too embarrassed. But I'm not. You have always been a wild heedless boy, Sirius. Never stopping to think beyond the moment. I suppose you think it amusing that such a thing happened to us. That we deserved it because I was too strict with you. Did you prefer gentle Liana Potter to me? Perhaps you thought her a more fitting mother." Walburga asked, and now he heard something he never thought he would hear in his mother's voice. Pain.

He recalled Orion saying that his mother had been hurt badly by his defection. He had not believed it. Not until now. "I didn't . . .I like Liana and all but . . .she's not you. I didn't think you would care if I was gone, we always fought anyhow . . ."

"Because you refused to bend that stubborn neck of yours."

"Dad says that I get that from you."

Walburga snorted. "He may be right. Sirius, we may not agree on everything, but when all is said and done, you are still my son. You belong here, with your blood. And I want to know who filled your head with such rot as "all Slytherins are evil"?"

Sirius flushed. "I . . .don't remember who said it first. At school, mostly everyone believes that almost all Slytherins will go dark because of You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters."

Walburga's eyes turned flinty. "Ah. That old song again. For the crimes of a few, all are made to pay. Forever. Because Merlin knows there were no followers of You-Know-Who from any other Houses," her voice was sharp with sarcasm. "And I suppose Dumbledore sat and twiddled his thumbs and sucked lemon drops while those rumors bred and grew, and did nothing to quell them?"

"He . . .well . . .what could he do about it?"

"What could he do? He could stand up and tell the truth!" snapped his mother. "The truth that you should have learned long ago. That you cannot blame everyone for the wrongs of one person, that one should not be held responsible for the choices another makes. You-Know-Who was evil and destructive, but that does not mean all Slytherins are. Your father fights daily to protect us from You-Know-Who and his ilk, and you believe that rubbish! When have you seen me hex a child? Kill another person? Torture someone because I felt like it? Well?"

Her eyes bored into him and he found that he could not meet her gaze. "Never." He stared down at the ground. "I was angry when I said that . . .it was wrong. I'm sorry."

"And so you should be." Then she sighed again. "Sirius, I am aware that I am not perfect, I know my own flaws quite well. I am not like meek Liana Potter, who loves everyone and everything. I bear no love for Muggles, but neither do I wish them exterminated. I am proud and stubborn, and I have high standards for my family. I know you think I am too strict and do not know the meaning of fun. That I am obsessed with respect and decorum. It is how I was raised and I am too old to change now. I did the best I knew how with you and Regulus."

"But you like Reg better."

"Where did you get that idea?"

"You're always praising him and yelling at me."

"Because you are always defying me. If I don't correct you, who will? That is my duty as a mother. I have yelled at Regulus too, when he needed it. He simply needed it less than you ever did."

"'Cause he's a suck up," Sirius muttered.

"There, you see? Again, you speak without thinking. Obedience and respect to one's parents is not a bad thing. It is something I think you need to work on."

"Or else you'll kick me out?" Sirius demanded sharply.

"No. I shall haunt you until you learn proper respect," Walburga returned crisply. "You do not have to agree with me, but at least respect my opinion. I shall try and do the same."

"All right. I'll try. But I need my own space, Mother. I'm an Auror now, and soon I'll be assigned cases and start trying to track down dark wizards. I can't do that here. I want a flat of my own."

"Already you speak of leaving?"

"Please, Mother. I'm not doing this to . . .hurt you. I just . . .need a place of my own. I'm not a child anymore."

She considered. "Very well. I can see your point. I shall speak with your father about finding you a decent flat near Auror Headquarters. However, I do expect you to visit more than once a year. I would like to see you once a week, on Sundays, if possible. For dinner. So I can make sure you eat decently for at least one meal and aren't falling to pieces."

Sirius raised his head and met her eyes. "That would be okay. I'd . . .like that."

A smile slowly bloomed upon her face. "Good. It hasn't been the same here without you."

"Because you had no one to fight with?" he teased.

The smile widened. "Impertinent scamp! Welcome home, son."

"Thanks, Mum." He grinned back at her. "I'll try not to aggravate you too much."

"I'm not looking for miracles, Sirius. Only a little peace." She rose to her feet and came around the desk. "Your father told me all about the ceremony at the Academy. I am sorry I missed it. And . . .I am proud of you for finishing the program."

"You are?"

"Yes. Follow your father's example and be a good Auror." She rested a hand lightly on his cheek. "I am tired and need some sleep. Good night, son."

Sirius rose to his feet then and gave her a quick hug. "Good night, Mother." Then he left the study, feeling good about his decision to return home for the first time since he had set foot in the house.

SSLSJPPP

Regulus stared at the letter in his hand and felt a shudder go through him. Severus hadn't pulled any punches. He had stated quite plainly that Voldemort wanted to Mark all his remaining new male Death Eaters. He believes it is the only way to ensure the loyalty of his followers, considering how treacherous they are. If only there were a way for you to refuse the Mark, but there is no way for you to do so without getting yourself killed. I am sorry, Reg. The youngest Black crumpled the letter in his fist and walked over to his fireplace.

He was just about to toss the letter into the fire when a knock came at the door. He started violently, thrust the letter into the fire so quickly he nearly singed the tips of his fingers, and then called, "Who is it?"

"Sirius. Mind if I come in?"

"Uh, sure," Regulus said, since he couldn't think of a good reason to keep his brother out and not rouse suspicion. He quickly went and sat down on his bed, mussing his hair a bit so it appeared he had been sleeping and just awoke.

Sirius entered and gave his brother an appraising look. "Were you asleep?"

"Uh . . .I sort of dozed off." Regulus put a hand over his mouth, pretending to conceal a yawn. "So . . .looks like you survived Mum's temper in one piece."

Sirius sat down in Regulus's comfortable recliner, stretching his legs out towards the fire. "Yeah, growing up's good for something, eh, little brother? Though I guess I shouldn't really be calling you that anymore. Seeing as you're as tall as I am now."

"Taller. By an inch," Regulus argued, standing up.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "So? The bigger you are, the harder you fall."

Regulus smirked. "Yeah, right. Are you staying this time?"

Sirius looked a little uncomfortable. "Only till I find a place of my own. I'm not leaving for good, I'll still come home on holidays and on Sunday to eat dinner, but . . .I need my own place, Reg. I don't want to be answerable to Mum and Dad for every little thing . . .especially if I'm staying out late working or at a pub or with some sweet chick, know what I mean?"

"I know. I may be a year younger, but I'm not dumb, Siri," Regulus said, rolling his eyes.

"I never said you were. So . . .do you have a girlfriend yet, Reg?" Sirius cocked his head.

Regulus blushed. "Umm . . .as a matter of fact, I do. Her name is Cindy. Cindy Graves, and as soon as I can afford a ring, I'm going to get engaged."

Sirius gaped at him. "Bloody hell, Reg! Isn't that . . .err . . .rushing things a little? I mean, come on, kid, you're only seventeen. You don't even have a real job yet. Don't you want to live it up a bit before putting on a shackle?"

Regulus shook his head firmly. If Sirius had known what he was really doing, he wouldn't have asked that question. As a spy, he knew his days could very well be numbered. He had no time to wait a few years. Anything might happen. "Siri, I'm not a player, like you. I've known Cindy since before she left school, and she's the one for me."

"Really? But are you the one for her? Because she's in my year, and a lot could have happened in a year to change her mind." Sirius told him.

"I've already talked to her. She feels the same about me as I do about her." Regulus asserted.

"Have you told Mum or Dad yet?"

"No. But I will. Soon."

"Remind me to be there when you do. I want to see the expression on Mum's face," Sirius said.

Regulus grinned. "I hope she likes Cindy. But even if she doesn't, I'm still marrying her."

"Attaboy, Reg! About time you cut the leading strings." Sirius applauded.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just that you've always been a little . . .too obedient."

Regulus arched an eyebrow. "Sirius, you don't really know me at all. I'm not perfect either."

"Yeah, but try telling that to Mum. She thinks you could be the role model for the perfect son or something."

Regulus went quiet, guilt and sorrow choking him. If Walburga ever knew the truth about him . . .he was sure she would cast him out of her heart and her house forever. He wished fiercely he could just be done with all the secrets and lies, and give up this bloody masquerade. He wished he could have the life Sirius thought he had, of the privileged son, marrying the love of his life and then living happily ever after. Instead, he was condemned to the life of a spy, at least until Voldemort was stopped. And who knew when that would be?

He yawned deliberately. "Sorry. I drifted off a bit there. Guess I need some more sleep."

"Sleep? The night's young yet, Reg."

"Maybe for you, but I'm going to bed. Good night, Siri."

Sirius just shook his head. "Kid, you really need to learn to act your age." He rose and walked towards the door. "Pleasant dreams, Reg."

If only, Regulus thought sadly, as the door shut behind his brother. He carefully cast a charm over the door to ensure that it remained locked and then cast another over the bed to make it appear as though he were sleeping in it. Then he rose and Flooed over to Severus' house. He wanted this terrible thing over and done with.

SSLSJPPPRB

Potter Manor

That same night:

" . . .and she didn't hex you into next week? Sirius, did you slip her a Calming Draught in her drink while her back was turned?" James asked his best friend.

They were all sitting about the game room, sipping some ale and eating pretzels, Cauldron Cakes, and other snacks while Sirius and James celebrated their finishing the Academy and Sirius' successful homecoming.

"No! Of course not! James, even I'm not low enough to drug my own mother!" Sirius protested.

"I would hope not," said Petunia, frowning a bit. "Because you'd be a despicable coward if you did." She was drinking a Butter Run Fizz, which she had made herself, it was one of the few drinks Vernon had introduced her to that she actually liked.

"Oh, come on, Tuney. You can't tell me you've never wished you could slip your mum a pill or whatever you Muggles call it when she started on you for something."

Petunia was not amused. "Honestly, Sirius! You're a bloody idiot!"

"Ouch! Stung!" Sirius pretended to smack the side of his neck. "Anybody ever tell you that you have a tongue like a wasp?"

"Me. Everyday," said a new voice.

They all looked up to see a medium-sized woman with shoulder length blonde hair and bright blue eyes wearing a half-mask standing in the doorway. She was wearing stylish blue robes with a flower pattern on it and white pants and a silky blue blouse. White shoes completed the outfit.

"Annie! You decided to come after all!" Petunia exclaimed, hurrying over to greet her friend.

"I only did it to shut you up, Tuney." Annie returned with a slight smirk. "My house was beginning to look like the post office with all the invitations you kept sending me."

"Well, I'm glad you're here, Annie. Now we can celebrate your homecoming too." Petunia said brightly "James, Sirius, meet my friend, Annie Lyons."

James rose and gave Annie a graceful bow. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Lyons. Come in and sit down, have a drink." He gestured to the empty padded bar stool next to where Petunia had been sitting.

"Thank you, James." She held out a hand for him to shake. What could be seen of her mouth tilted up a bit at the corner.

When she went to take a step inside the room, she found herself facing the other wizard in the room, a tall good-looking bloke that probably had half the girls in the county running after him. "Hello. I'm Annie."

Sirius smiled his famous grin. "Charmed, my lady. And I'm Sirius. Well, not usually. Sorry, bad joke."

To her surprise, Annie found herself snickering a little. "That really was awful. What's your real name?"

"It really is Sirius. But like the star. I'm Sirius Black, James' best mate."

"And partner in crime," Petunia added dryly.

"Mmm . . .that too." Sirius admitted shamelessly.

"Oh? Are you a rogue then?" Annie asked, eying him suspiciously. She knew the Black family name, it was hard not to, since the Blacks were substantial movers and shakers in the wizarding world.

"Sometimes. But for you, I'll behave myself."

"That'd be a first," Petunia teased.

Sirius ignored that gibe, offering his arm to Annie. "Come, Miss Lyons. Might I ask where you've been all my life?"

"Working in Diagon Alley. I run a secondhand clothing store there." Annie replied. She was astonished that she was actually making conversation with this handsome wizard without stuttering or feeling awkward. Perhaps it was because he didn't stare at her face the way most people did, or ask why she wore a mask. She wondered if Petunia had informed him about her accident, and that was why he didn't mention it. His hand on her arm was warm. "What do you do, Mr. Black?"

"Sirius." He corrected. "I'm a recent Auror Academy trainee. Currently I'm waiting to get accepted onto the force, like James."

"Oh. A noble occupation," Annie said dryly.

Sirius glanced at her, catching the slight bitterness in her tone. "Now, why do I get the feeling that you're not too fond of Aurors?"

"Because I'm not." Annie said bluntly. "When I was caught in the crossfire between Death Eaters and Aurors in Diagon Alley, not one of the Ministry's finest called for a mediwitch or wizard while I was lying there with half my face melted off. I could have forgiven them that if they had been able to catch the Death Eaters responsible. But they didn't, and it was left to another bystander to get me emergency medical help. If not for them, I might have died from shock. So you'll forgive me if I don't fall at your feet and worship you."

Sirius pretended to wince. "Another witch with a tongue like a knife! No wonder you and Petunia are friends."

Annie gave a soft cough. "Actually, I'm still surprised she puts up with me. I'm not always an easy person to be around. I tend to speak my mind too much."

"Unfortunately, so do I." Sirius chuckled. He gallantly assisted her into her chair. "Bilbo, get Annie something to drink!"

Bilbo popped into the room. "As Master Sirius wishes." He bowed to Annie. "What would you like, Mistress Annie?"

Annie hesitated. Then she said, "A glass of ale would be fine, thank you."

"Very good, Mistress." Bilbo snapped his fingers and handed Annie a mug of excellent heather ale, foamy and cool.

Annie took it and the elf vanished.

Sirius lifted his glass in a salute. "Ah. A girl who appreciates a good draft of ale. Cheers, Annie!"

She clinked glasses with him. "Cheers, Sirius." She was actually rather glad she had accepted the invitation now.

"I hope you won't hold being an Auror against me. It's sort of a family tradition." Sirius said.

"I'll try real hard not to," the Muggleborn witch drawled, then took a long drink of her ale.

James and Petunia exchanged glances over their drinks. So far this little get together was coming along nicely. It looked like their two friends were hitting it off well. Petunia just hoped that Sirius wouldn't blow it by acting like a git, the way he sometimes did. Annie might talk and act tough, but Petunia knew she was vulnerable inside, and uncertain of herself, especially when it came to her looks.

But so far, so good.

Petunia reached out and snagged a pretzel, then asked her friend how her business was going.

"Oh, you know. Same old thing, different pain-in-the-arse customers." Annie said. She then proceeded to regale them with amusing stories of her clientele, some of whom were born to drive her insane with their demands.

Sirius was prepared to be bored to death when the conversation shifted, but instead found himself chuckling at Annie's blunt wit. He normally didn't go for her type, but there was something . . .original and genuine about her, unlike most of the girls he had dated at school, who only wanted him because of his good looks and bad boy reputation. She was different and Sirius discovered that he admired her blunt honesty and spunk. I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Hope you all enjoyed this part. I had a little trouble with this chapter, especially with the scene between Walburga and Sirius in the library. I hope it turned out okay. What did you think of Sirius and Annie so far?

Next: Severus, Cindy, and Lily try and offer comfort and healing to a sick Regulus, and Severus speaks with Dumbledore about his teaching position at Hogwarts.